Sole Structure For An Article Of Footwear

Abstract

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes one or more outsole portions. At least some of these outsole portions include a plurality of alternating upward-facing and downward-facing elongate channels. The channels may have a base and two sidewalls, with adjacent channels sharing a common sidewall. The bases of the downward-facing channels form an upper surface of the outsole portion and the bases of the upward-facing channels form a lower surface of the outsole portion. The sidewalls are arranged at non-perpendicular angles to the upper surface. A first outsole portion has a pressure-versus-strain curve having a local maximum at a “trip point” pressure value and a first strain value and wherein the pressure-versus-strain curve has a change in strain of at least approximately 10% before a second occurrence of the “trip point” pressure value is reached. An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided.

Description

FIELD[0001]Aspects of the present invention relate to sole structures for articles of footwear. More particularly, various examples relate to outsole structures having improved impact-attenuation and / or energy-absorption.BACKGROUND[0002]To keep a wearer safe and comfortable, footwear is called upon to perform a variety of functions. For example, the sole structure of footwear should provide adequate support and impact force attenuation properties to prevent injury and reduce fatigue, while at the same time provide adequate flexibility so that the sole structure articulates, flexes, stretches, or otherwise moves to allow an individual to fully utilize the natural motion of the foot.[0003]High-action sports, such as the sport of skateboarding, impose special demands upon players and their footwear. For example, during any given run, skateboarders perform a wide variety of movements or tricks (e.g., carving, pops, flips, ollies, grinding, twists, jumps, etc.). During all of these movem...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a new sole structure for a shoe that has alternating channels on the outsole. These channels have a base and two sidewalls, and they are designed to have a specific pressure-carrying capacity and to absorb energy per unit area. The first outsole portion has a pressure-carrying capacity that increases as a function of strain, and it has a minimum pressure value between 60% and 100% of the maximum pressure value. The sole structure can be used in a shoe, and it helps to provide better support and comfort while walking or running.

Problems solved by technology

These bigger skateboard tricks may result in uncomfortably high, even damaging, impact loads being felt by the skateboarder.

Further, during many of the movements and particularly upon landing, significant impact loads may be experienced by various portions of the foot.

Images